Information communicating system for communicating and distributing information

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed to an information communication system. An agent terminal ( 2 ) constituting this system forms character of a predetermined shape to display the character to permit conversation between the character and user to transmit personal information, etc. of user obtained through conversation to an agent access server to display information from the agent access server in a form such that the character introduces that information. The agent access server ( 3 ) constituting the information communication system analyses access from the agent terminal ( 2 ) to select a dedicated server ( 5 ) in accordance with analysis result thereof to send out information from the agent terminal ( 2 ) to send out answer information from the dedicated server ( 5 ) to the agent terminal ( 2 ). The dedicated server ( 5 ) specially processes this information to send out answer information.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to an information communication systemcapable of delivering various information and receiving thoseinformation and an information delivery system capable of deliveringvarious information, an agent terminal capable of receiving informationfrom an information delivery system and a memory medium adapted so thatagent program or agent access program is stored, a memory medium adaptedso that dedicated processing program is stored, and an agent program, anagent access program and a dedicated processing program.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Advertising system utilizing internet serves to insert anadvertisement on picture of service that internet service providerprovides, or to provide an advertisement by voice. Depending upon itsadvertising technique, there are mentioned “Banner advertisement”,“Affiliate program”, “Push-type advertisement” and “Cash backadvertisement”, etc.

[0003] Here, the “Banner advertisement” is the most fundamentaladvertising technique, and is advertising technique for simply insertingadvertisement of Banner type (flag type) on, e.g., home page. The“Affiliate program” is advertising technique to introduce customer sothat commission is obtained when sale has been effected. The “Push-typeadvertisement” is advertising technique for regularly carrying outautomatic change of advertisement. The “Cash back advertisement” isadvertising technique to answer advertisement or questionnaire so thatcash back is provided.

[0004] Since conventional these advertising systems utilizing internethave effects of advertisement in their own way while they have bothmerits and demerits, such advertising systems are employed at present.

[0005] In such conventional advertising systems, there were thefollowing problems.

[0006] First, in accordance with position of user, there wereinconveniences such that user feels very gloomy because advertisement isprovided on picture of internet service or by voice, and there a largenumber of advertisements which are not desired to accept for user amongadvertisements on picture of internet service or by voice.

[0007] In addition, in accordance with position of advertiser orsponsor, there was inconvenience such that degree of satisfaction ofuser is low so that effective advertisement is not provided.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above-describedcircumstances, and its object is to provide a system capable of joyfullyacquiring useful information in position of user and capable of carryingout effective advertisement in position of advertiser.

[0009] In this invention proposed in order to attain an object asdescribed above, an agent terminal forms character of a predeterminedshape to display the character to permit conversation between thecharacter and user to transmit, to an agent access sever, informationthat user has selected as open information of personal information ofuser which has been obtained through conversation to display theinformation from the agent access sever in a form such that thecharacter introduces that information; the agent access server analysesaccess from user terminal to select a dedicated server in accordancewith that analysis result to send out information from the agentterminal to the dedicated server to send out answer information from thededicated server to the agent terminal; and the dedicated server storespersonal information from the agent access server to select informationuseful for user on the basis of the personal information to send out theselected information to the agent access server. Thus, user can receiveservice or advertisement corresponding to him even if he makes a searchin person to have control right of personal information data base tojoyfully acquire profitable information. For advertiser, sinceadvertisement is only offered only to interesting users by informationby profile, there is no useful investment and effective advertisementcan be carried out so that response ratio of user can be obtained.Accordingly, such system can be utilized for marketing. Sinceadvertisement is carried out on the basis of key word that user feelsinterest or takes notice, it is possible to prevent resistance withrespect to advertisement produced as the result of the fact thatincontinent advertisement is carried out. For a manager for informationdelivery system, direct connection to user can be made. Thus, it ispossible to appeal to character of manager. In addition, the merit thatvery high accuracy profile can be obtained is provided.

[0010] Moreover, this invention forms character of a predetermined shapeto have ability to display the character, and permits conversationbetween character and user. This invention can transmit personalinformation, etc. of user obtained through conversation to a specificserver and can display information from the specific server in a formthat character introduces that information. Thus, user can receiveservice or advertisement corresponding to him even if he makes search inperson, and can have control right of personal information data base. Asa result, the merit that it is possible to joyfully acquire usefulinformation is provided.

[0011] Further, in this invention, the agent access server analysesinformation which has been accessed to select dedicated server inaccordance with its analysis result to send out access information tothis dedicated server, and to send out answer information from thisdedicated server to access destination. The dedicated server storespersonal information from the agent access server to select informationuseful for user on the basis of personal information to send out theselected information to the agent access server, Thus, for manager forinformation delivery system, direct connection to user can be made. As aresult, it is possible to appeal to character of manager. In addition,the merit that it is possible to obtain very high accuracy profile isprovided.

[0012] Still further objects of this invention and more practical meritsobtained by this invention will be more apparent from the description ofthe embodiments which will be given below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an information communicationsystem according to this invention.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a related view of server constituting the informationcommunication system according to this invention.

[0015]FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing examples of the configurationsof agent terminals constituting the information communication systemaccording to this invention.

[0016]FIGS. 4A to 4D are views showing examples of the configurations ofrespective data bases of dedicated server constituting an informationdelivery system according to this invention.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a view showing picture displayed on display of agentterminal constituting the information delivery system according to thisinvention.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of instructionanalysing unit of agent access server according to this invention.

[0019]FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of connectiondestination branching unit of the agent access server according to thisinvention.

[0020]FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of outputintegration processing unit of the agent access server according to thisinvention.

[0021]FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of outputcompressing unit of the agent access server according to this invention.

[0022]FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of outputtransmitting unit of the agent access server according to thisinvention.

[0023]FIGS. 11A to 11C are explanatory views showing an example of theconfiguration of data at the time of transmission/reception betweenagent terminal and agent access server according to this invention.

[0024] FIGS. 12 to 18 are views respectively showing examples ofpictures displayed on display of agent terminal constituting theinformation delivery system according to this invention.

[0025]FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of the configuration ofparameter of character stored in agent terminal of this invention.

[0026] FIGS. 20 to 25 are views respectively showing examples ofpictures displayed on display of agent terminal constituting theinformation delivery system according to this invention.

[0027]FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing another example of theinformation communication system according to this invention.

[0028]FIG. 27 is a view showing an example of picture displayed ondisplay of agent terminal of the information delivery system accordingto this invention, wherein an example in which processing is carried outby right click of mouse is indicated.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] Preferred embodiments of this invention will now be described indetail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 27.

[0030] [First Embodiment]

[0031]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an information communicationsystem to which this invention is applied. In FIG. 1, the informationcommunication system is roughly composed of a delivery system 1 andagent terminals 2, 2, . . . .

[0032] The delivery system 1 is composed of an agent access server 3 forsending out arrangement result of information accessed from the agentterminal 2 or answer with respect to information to the agent terminal 2serving as access destination, and a dedicated server 5 for speciallyprocessing access information sent from this agent access server 3 tosend out its answer to the agent access server 3.

[0033] When explanation is further given, the information communicationsystem is caused to be of configuration in which the agent terminals 2,2, . . . of users and the agent access server 3 are connected through acommunication network 4, and the dedicated server 5 for processing apredetermined special function is connected to this agent access server3.

[0034] The agent terminals 2 are classified into terminals comprised ofmobile terminals and terminals comprised of fixed terminals. The agentterminal 2 is composed of means for forming character of a predeterminedshape to have ability to display the character, means for permittingconversation between character and user, means for transmitting personalinformation, etc. of user obtained through this conversation to theagent access server 3, and means for displaying information from theagent access server 3 in a form such that character introduces thatinformation.

[0035] The agent access server 3 is comprised of computer system,whereon this computer processes agent access program so that analysisbranching means 31 and output means 32 are realized. Thus, the agentaccess server 3 is assumed to comprise analysis branching means 31 foranalysing access from the agent terminal 2 to select data base (itsdetail will be described later) within the dedicated server 5 optimumfor this processing on the basis of its analysis result to send outinformation from the agent terminal 2 to the dedicated server 5 optimumfor this processing, and output means 32 for sending out answerinformation from the dedicated server 5 optimum for this processing tothis user terminal 2.

[0036] This analysis branching means 31 is composed of an instructionanalysing unit 33 for analysing object of access from the agent terminal2 and a connection destination branching unit 34 for branchingconnection in order to allow the dedicated server 5 suitable for thisprocessing to entrust processing of information from the agent terminal2 on the basis of analysis result from this instruction analysing unit33.

[0037] Moreover, the output means 32 is composed of an outputintegration processing unit 35 for integrating answer information fromthe dedicated server 5 suitable for this processing, an outputcompressing unit 36 for compressing output information from this outputintegration processing unit 35 so that size optimum for transfer isprovided, and an output transmitting unit 37 for transmitting thecompressed information from this output compressing unit 36 to the agentterminal 2 to which access is provided.

[0038] The dedicated server 5 suitable for this processing comprises apersonal information storage unit 51, a recommend unit 52, anadvertisement storage unit 53, a condition notice monitoring unit 54, aninterchange promoting unit 55, and a conversation unit 56.

[0039] Output of the connection destination branching unit 34 of theanalysis branch means 31 of the agent access server 3 is connected tothe personal information storage unit 51, the recommend unit 52, thecondition notice monitoring unit 54, the interchange promoting unit 55and the conversation unit 56 which constitute the dedicated server 5.

[0040] Respective outputs of the recommend unit 52, the condition noticemonitoring unit 54, the interchange promoting unit 55 and theconversation unit 56 are connected to the output integration processingunit 35 of the output means 32 of the agent access server 3.

[0041] The personal information storage unit 51 is a server forconstructing personal information data base (the detail will bedescribed later), and this server processes dedicated processing programto thereby construct personal information data base (not shown) in FIG.1 therewithin to store profiles of respective users or variousparameters sent from the agent terminals 2, 2, . . . with respect tothis personal information data base. In addition, this personalinformation storage unit 51 can offer necessary information to therecommend unit 52 by access from the recommend unit 52.

[0042] The recommend unit 52 is a server for realizing profiling engine(its detail will be described in detail), and this server processesdedicated processing program to thereby realize profiling engine (notshown) in FIG. 1 therewithin to execute processing for allowing taste ofuser and advertisement within the advertisement storage unit 53 to be inconformity with each other on the basis of personal information storedin the personal information storage unit 51 by this profiling engine tooutput its result to the output integration processing unit 35 of theoutput means 32 of the agent access server 3.

[0043] The advertisement storage unit 53 is comprised of computersystem, and this computer system processes dedicated processing programto thereby construct advertisement data base (its detail will bedescribed later) (not shown) in FIG. 1 therewithin to execute processingfor storing text document, advertisement constituted with still pictureor moving picture or other data with respect to this advertisement database.

[0044] The condition notice monitoring unit 54 is a server for realizingcondition notice engine (its detail will be described later), and thisserver processes dedicated processing program to thereby realizecondition notice engine (not shown) in FIG. 1 therewithin to executeprocessing for monitoring a portion of web by this condition noticeengine and for notifying corresponding condition to any one of agentterminals 2, 2, . . . of this user through the output means 32 of theagent access server 3 when designation of monitoring condition can bemade and the condition is changed.

[0045] The interchange promoting unit 55 is a server for realizingcommunication engine (its detail will be described later), and thisserver processes dedicated processing program to thereby realizecommunication engine (not shown) in FIG. 1 therewithin to execute, bythis communication engine, processing for chatting with a person who hasthe same interest, carrying out publication or perusal of notice board,publishing home page of user himself, or connecting agent terminals 2,2. . . through the agent access server 3.

[0046] The conversation unit 56 is a server for constructingconversation data base (its detail will be described later), and thisserver processes dedicated processing program to thereby constructconversation data base (not shown) in FIG. 1 therewithin to have abilityto carry out management of conversation of character of the pet type atthe agent units 2, 2, . . . through the agent access server 3 tosequentially update it to have ability to supplement new conversation.

[0047]FIG. 2 is a related diagram of server which constitutes theinformation communication system according to this invention.

[0048] In FIG. 2, respective agent terminals 2, 2, . . . can provideaccess to the agent access server 3. This agent access server 3 analysesobject of access of the agent terminal 2 to select the above-describedpersonal information data base 51 a, profiling engine 52 a, conditionnotice engine (Mind It Engine) 54 a, communication engine 55 a orconversational data base 56 a as the result of the analysis to allowthis selected dedicated processing means, etc. (51 a, 52 a, 54 a, 55 aor 56 a) to entrust processing of information from the agent terminal 2to have ability to transmit, to this agent terminal 2, answer from thisselected personal information data base 51 a, profiling engine 52 a,condition notice engine 54 a, communication engine 55 a or communicationdata base 56 a which is component of the dedicated server 5.

[0049] It is to be noted that while advertisement data base 53 a can bedirectly accessed by the agent access server 3 in the example shown inFIG. 2, there is employed in practice a form such that the profilingengine 52 a selects advertisement of the advertisement data base 53 a onthe basis of information of the personal information data base 51 a tooutput that advertisement to the agent access server 3.

[0050] From a different point of view, it can be said that theabove-described agent access server 2 is a unit which carries outtraffic control between the agent terminal 2 and the personalinformation data base 51 a, the profiling engine 52 a, the conditionnotice engine 54 a, the communication engine 55 a or the conversationaldata base 56 a.

[0051] More practical explanation of respective dedicated processingmeans, etc. will now be described. First, the personal information database 51 a is realized by the personal information storage unit 51, andpersonal information of respective users and/or other parameters, etc.obtained from the agent access server 3 are stored under control of thepersonal information storage unit 51 with respect to the personalinformation data base 51 a. In addition, the personal information database 51 a is adapted to have ability to take out personal informationand/or other parameters, etc. stored in the personal information database 51 a itself under control of the personal information storage unit51.

[0052] The profiling engine 52 a is realized by the recommend unit 52,and this profiling engine 52 a is adapted to have ability to carry outmatching between taste of user and advertisement stored in advertisementdata base 53 a by using parameter for recommend stored in the personalinformation data base 51 a within the personal information storage unit51.

[0053] The advertisement data base 53 a is formed by the advertisementstorage unit 53, and text document, advertisement prepared by stillpicture or moving picture, etc. and/or other parameters are stored inthis advertisement data base 53 a and advertisement is related to thisadvertisement data base 53 a by key word, etc.

[0054] The condition notice engine 54 a is realized by the conditionnotice monitoring unit 54, and this condition notice engine 54 a isadapted to have ability to monitor a portion of web and/or changemonitoring condition.

[0055] The communication engine 55 a is realized by the interchangepromoting unit 55, and this communication engine 55 a executes afunction to have ability to carry out a chat with a person who has thesame interest, a function to notice the notice board to have ability toretrieve the notice board, and/or a function capable of publishing homepage, etc.

[0056] The conversational data base 56 a is constructed by theconversation unit 56, and contents of conversation between character ofthe pet type and user realized in the agent units 2, 2, . . . are storedin the conversational data base 56 a. Thus, it is possible to advancehighly the content of conversation of character of the pet type.

[0057]FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the configuration of theagent terminal which constitutes the information communication systemaccording to this invention, wherein FIG. 3A shows an example of amobile terminal and FIG. 3B shows an example of a fixed terminal.

[0058] In this FIG. 3A, mobile terminal 21 which realizes the agentterminal 2 is a terminal constituted by, e.g., note type personalcomputer of B5 file size. This note type personal computer 211 is causedto be of configuration in which a keyboard 213 is disposed at a personalcomputer body 212. A cover 214 is provided at this personal computerbody 212 so that it can be opened and closed, and a liquid crystaldisplay 215 and speakers 216, 216 are provided at one surface of thiscover 214. Moreover, a wireless data communication card 217 is attachedat the side surface of the personal computer body 212 so that connectionto the communication network 4 can be made by wireless. Further, amicrophone 218 is connected to the note type personal computer 211 sothat voice can be inputted.

[0059] Here, wireless should be interpreted in a broad sense, andconfigurations capable of carrying out, by wireless,transmission/reception of information to and from base station connectedto the above-described communication network 4 may be all included. Asexamples, there are mentioned mobile body communication system such aspocket telephone, PHS (Personal Handyphone System) (Registered TradeMark) which is one example of the simplicity type pocket telephonesystem using very week radio wave, etc., wireless LAN such as WLL(Wireless Local Loop), Bluetooth (Trade Mark), etc., and system byinfrared communication such as IrDA (Infrared Data Association), etc. Itis a matter of course that the agent access server 3 may doble as theabove-described base station.

[0060] Within this personal computer body 212, although not shown, thereare included Central Processing Unit (CPU) for executing variousarithmetic processing, main memory for developing and storing program todeliver it to the CPU, ROM for storing basic program, AD converter forconverting voice into digital signal, hard disc unit for storingprograms and/or various data, sound source board for generating voicefrom digital signal, CD-ROM for taking data or programs thereinto orstoring them, CD-R, and CD-RW drive unit capable of reading CD-RW.

[0061] Within the hard disc unit of the note type personal computer 211at this mobile terminal 21, several kinds of agent programs caused to bedifferent in character are stored. Respective agent programs consist ofprograms of the form to form character of pet type, robot type, humanbeing type (e.g., secretary) or other form to display the character ondesk-top screen in a manner permanently stationed, and programs of theform to form character of pet type, robot type, human being type orother form to display the character on the task bar of display in amanner permanently stationed. Moreover, the above-mentioned respectiveagent programs may consist of only programs of the form to allow user toselect permanent stationing or non-permanent stationing with respect tothe task bar.

[0062] Further, the respective agent programs preferably have a shapegenerating function to have a conversation of the form in which usercalls out to character by keyboard input, etc. between the user andcharacter of pet shape, etc. and the character displays answer on theliquid crystal display 215 to thereby gradually enlarge the character ofpet shape, etc. in accordance with a predetermined parameter, a personalinformation sending function to send, to the agent access server 3,information obtained from user as the result of the fact thatconversation is made between the character and the user, a mailreceiving monitor function to monitor receiving of mail, anadvertisement retrieval function to request retrieval of advertisementthat user desires to take advertisement of retrieval result thereinto, adictionary retrieval function with respect to dictionary that userrequires, an alarm function based on various setting, a musicreproducing function, a communication function for carrying out chat orlooking at notice board, a schedule management function, and a gamefunction to play a game with character.

[0063] In addition, the respective agent programs may comprise alauncher function in which when “Start ∘∘ software”, this software isautomatically started, and a network connecting function to carry outconnection to network.

[0064] In FIG. 3B, fixed terminal 22 which realizes the agent terminal 2is constituted by, e.g., desk-top type personal computer. This desk-toptype personal computer 221 is composed of a personal computer body 222,a keyboard 223 for data input, a mouse 224 serving as pointing devicefor carrying out movement designation of cursor pointer and designationinput, a display 225 affixed to the personal computer body 222, speakers226, 226 provided at the lower side of the screen of this display 225, aterminal adapter 227 for carrying out connection to the communicationnetwork 4, and a microphone 228 for inputting voice. It is to be notedthat if the communication network 4 is LAN, LAN adapter (LAN board, LANcard, etc.) is used in place of the terminal adapter 227.

[0065] Within this personal computer body 222, although not shown, thereare included CPU for executing various arithmetic processing, mainmemory for developing and storing program to deliver it to the CPU, ROMfor storing basic program, AD converter for converting voice intodigital signal to deliver it to the CPU, etc., hard disc for storingprograms or various data, sound source board for generating voice fromdigital signal, CD-ROM for taking or storing data or programs thereinto,CD-R, CD-RW drive unit capable of reading CD-RW. Additionally, in thehard disc unit of the desk-top type personal computer 221 of this fixedterminal 22, similarly to the above-described note type personalcomputer 211, agent programs are stored.

[0066]FIGS. 4A to 4D are views showing examples of the configurations ofrespective data bases of dedicated server in the information deliverysystem according to the embodiment of this invention.

[0067]FIGS. 4A and 4B are views showing the configuration of personalinformation data base. In this FIG. 4A, in personal information database 51 a constructed by the personal information storage unit 51, thereare stored, as basic information, identification code (ID) of agentterminal 511, kind 512 of pet, pet name 513, host name 514, age 515 ofuser, point 516, address 517 of user, interest 518 of user (weightingevery item of interest of user), and occupational category 519 of user,etc.

[0068] In this personal information data base 51 a, in the case where,e.g., ID511 is “12345678”, memory is carried out in such a manner thatkind 512 of pet is “dog”, pet name 513 is “pochi”, host name 514 is“Ehchan”, age 515 of user is “25”, point 516 is “3500”, and address 517of user is “1-chome, ∘∘, Shinjuku-ku, TOKYO”.

[0069] In FIG. 4B, in the personal information data base 51 a, there arestored, as expansion information, key word 520, up-to-dateness 521,frequency 522, response ratio 523, degree of interest 524, related keyword 525, and other information.

[0070] If, e.g., key word 520 is “personal computer”, memory is carriedout with respect to this personal information data base 51 a in such amanner that up-to-dateness 521 is “2000/1/30”, frequency 522 is “35”,response ratio 523 is “3/10”, degree of interest 524 is “90/100”, andrelated key word 525 is “computer”. Moreover, if, e.g., key word 520 is“rock”, memory is carried out with respect to this personal informationdata base 51 a in such a manner that up-to-dateness 521 is “2000/7/1”,frequency 522 is “7”, response ratio 523 is “1/5”, degree of interest524 is “10/100”, and related key word 525 is “music”.

[0071]FIG. 4C is a view showing an example of the configuration ofadvertisement data base. In this FIG. 4C, in advertisement data base 53a constructed by the advertisement storage unit 53, there are storedadvertisement ID 540, advertiser 541, kind 542 of advertisement, keyword 543, campaign enforcement date 544, campaign end date 545, responseratio 546, and advertisement genre and other items.

[0072] In the case where, e.g., advertisement ID540 is “00001”, memoryis carried out with respect to this advertisement data base 53 a in sucha manner that advertiser 541 is “∘∘ company”, kind 542 of advertisementis “Text”, key word 543 is “PDA”, campaign enforcement date 544 is“2000/1/1”, campaign end date 545 is “2000/1/7”, and response ratio 546is “50/300”. In the case where, e.g., advertisement ID 540 is “00002”,memory is carried out in such a manner that advertiser 541 is “ΔΔCompany”, kind 542 of advertisement is “moving picture”, key word 543 is“shampoo”, campaign enforcement date 544 is “2000/7/1”, campaign enddate is “2000/7/31”, and response ratio 546 is “400/500”.

[0073]FIG. 4D is a view showing an example of the configuration ofconversation data base. In this FIG. 4D, key word 571, meaning 572,conversation content 573, conversation by agent terminals 574, age limit575, and other item are stored with respect to conversation unit table57 a constructed by the conversation unit 56.

[0074] The operation of such an information delivery system will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 5 to 25 on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0075] First, drawings used for explaining the operation of theinformation delivery system will be described. FIG. 5, FIGS. 12 to 18and FIGS. 20 to 24 are views showing examples of pictures displayed ondisplay of the agent terminal of the information delivery system of thisinvention.

[0076]FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of instructionanalysing unit of agent access server. FIG. 7 is a flowchart forexplaining the operation of connection destination branching unit of theagent access server.

[0077] In addition, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operationof output integration processing unit of the agent access server. FIG. 9is a flowchart for explaining the operation of output compressing unitof the agent access server. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining theoperation of output transmitting unit of the agent access server.

[0078]FIGS. 11A to 11C are explanatory views showing examples ofconfigurations of data at the time of transmission/reception between theagent terminal and the agent access server.

[0079] (Operation Immediately After Agent Program is Installed at theAgent Terminal)

[0080] Here, explanation will be given on the assumption that the agentterminal 2 is constituted by, e.g., fixed terminal 22. The agent programis installed with respect to the hard disc unit of the desk-top typepersonal computer 221 to start this agent program.

[0081] Thus, the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221 displaysinitial picture as shown in FIG. 5 on the display 225.

[0082] Within the picture 300 displayed on this display 225, there areprovided an input window 301 in which “Welcome to world of virtual pet!”is displayed, explanation of picture is displayed and “kind of pet” isdescribed, an input window 302 in which “name of pet” is described, aninput window 303 in which “Your name desired to be called by pet” isdescribed, an “OK” button 304, and a “cancel” button 305.

[0083] Here, user operates the keyboard to input kind of pet within theinput window 301, name of pet within the input window 302 and way ofcalling, etc. of user (himself) within the input window 303, wherebywhen those inputted items are OK, user pushes down the “OK” button 304.The input window 301 is caused to be of drop down menu, and user selectspet from the menu.

[0084] Thus, “kind of pet”, “name of pet” and “way of calling of user”are stored with respect to data base of the agent program of the harddisc unit of the desk-top type personal computer 221 constituting theagent terminal 2.

[0085] Here, user operates the keyboard, etc. to give command to theeffect of connection to the agent access server 3 to the agent programexecuted by the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221.

[0086] Thus, the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221constituting the agent terminal 2 processes the agent program toactivate communication function of this personal computer 221 to makeconnection to the agent access server 3 through the communicationnetwork 4 to request the agent access server 3 to carry out initializeoperation, and to send out inputted data of “kind of pet”, “name of pet”and “way of calling of user”.

[0087] At this time, the desk-top type personal computer 221constituting the agent terminal 2 sends out data of a form as shown inFIG. 11A to the agent access server 3.

[0088] In FIG. 11A, data form sent out from the agent terminal 2 is aform such that, e.g., “12345678” is set as ‘agent ID’, “initialize” isset as ‘object instruction’, “dog” is set as ‘first parameter’, “pochi”is set as ‘second parameter’ . . . . In this case, the agent ID is agentID for sign up, and is set to fixed value irrespective of the agentterminal 2.

[0089] The instruction analysing unit 33 of the analysis branching means31 of the agent access server 3 receives agent ID of data sent andinstruction data transmitted through the communication network 4 (stepS71). Processing by the instruction analysing unit 33 shifts to thesubsequent step.

[0090] Then, the instruction analysing unit 33 analyses instruction(step S72). The instruction analysing unit 33 confirms whether or notinstruction is unfairly used (step S73). In this case, since theinstruction is initialized, the instruction analysing unit 33 acceptsthis instruction and issues agent ID peculiar to the agent terminal 2 tosend out the agent ID and sent information to the connection destinationbranching unit 34 (step S74).

[0091] Thus, the connection destination branching unit 34 receives agentID, matched instruction, and sent information from the instructionanalysing unit 33 (step S81). The connection destination branching unit34 makes connection to processing means suitable for this processing (Inthis case, the personal information storage unit 51) in line withinstruction content (step S82). The connection destination branchingunit 34 transmits necessary instruction data, agent ID and sentinformation to processing means suitable for this processing (In thiscase, the personal information storage unit 51) (step S83).

[0092] Thus, data base parameter as shown in FIG. 4A is stored withrespect to the personal information data base 51 a of the personalinformation storage unit 51.

[0093] Moreover, the personal information storage unit 51 delivers agentID registered in the personal information data base 51 a and registeredinformation to the output integration processing unit 35 of the outputmeans 32 of the agent access server 3 through the recommend unit 52.

[0094] The output integration processing unit 35 receives data and agentID from respective units (In this case, the personal information storageunit 51) (step S91). The output integration processing unit 35 confirmswhether or not unfair or improper output data exits (step S92). Theoutput integration processing unit 35 is operative so that in the casewhere it receives plural outputs to output them once, it integrates orcouples them (step S93). The output integration processing unit 35transmits integration data and receiving agent ID to the outputcompressing unit 36 (step S94).

[0095] Thus, the output compressing unit 36 receives data and agent IDfrom the output integration processing unit 35 (step S101). The outputcompressing unit 36 compresses these data, etc. so as to have ability toquickly carry out transmission/reception thereof through thecommunication network 4 (step S102). The output compressing unit 36transmits compressed data and the agent ID to the output transmittingunit 37 (step S103).

[0096] The output transmitting unit 37 receives the compressed data andthe agent ID from the output compressing unit 36 (step S111). The outputtransmitting unit 37 transmits the compressed data to the agent terminal2 having this agent ID on the basis of the agent ID (step S112).

[0097] At this time, the output transmitting unit 37 of the agent accessserver 3 sends out data of a form as shown in FIG. 11B to the agentterminal 2. In FIG. 11B, data form sent out from the output transmittingunit 37 of the agent access server 3 is a form such that, e.g.,“98765432” is set as ‘agent ID’, “initialize” is set as ‘objectinstruction’, “dog” is set as ‘first parameter’, and “pochi” is set as‘second parameter’, . . . .

[0098] Then, since corresponding operation is operation of “initialize”,the CPU of this agent terminal 2 temporarily stores sent agent ID, anddefrosts compressed data to carry out comparison between this data anddata stored in the agent program.

[0099] The CPU of this agent terminal 2 is operative so that ifcomparison result has no problem, it stores the agent ID which has beentemporarily stored with respect to data base of the agent program tocomplete a series of processing of initialize. When information whichhas been transmitted from the agent access server 3 side is differentfrom information stored with respect to the data base of the agentprogram, processing will be repeated from the beginning for a secondtime.

[0100] (General Operation of the Information Communication System)

[0101] First, it is assumed that user operates the keyboard 223 of thedesk-top type personal computer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2 tostart agent program. Thus, the CPU of the desk-top type personalcomputer 221 displays, e.g., picture 311 as shown in FIG. 12 on thedisplay 225. In this picture, character 312 of the pet type is displayedin a form such that it is permanently stationed on the desk-top screen.It is to be noted that character 312 may be displayed, e.g., on task bar313 as shown in FIG. 13 so that it becomes inconspicuous.

[0102] Then, it is assumed that user operates the keyboard 223 of thedesk-top personal computer 221 to input command for making connection tothe network to the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221.

[0103] Thus, the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer displayscharacter, carries out display in a display form such that characterexplains that “connection to the network is being examined”, etc, andautomatically recognizes whether or not connection to the network ismade to provide access to the agent access server 3 by using agent ID,object instruction and key word with a designated frequency.

[0104] The instruction analysing unit 33 of the analysis branching means31 of the agent access server 3 analyses and judges object of access ofthe agent terminal 2 to output its result to the connection destinationbranching unit 34. This connection destination branching unit 34 selectsdata base, etc. of dedicated server 5 optimum for that processing totransfer information from the agent terminal 2 to data base, etc. ofthis dedicated server 5.

[0105] The data base, etc. of this dedicated server 5 to whichinformation has been transferred is processed in conformity with objectand key word to transmit answer data of its processed result to theoutput integration processing unit 35. This output integrationprocessing unit 35 carries out integration processing, etc. thereafterto send its answer data to the output compressing unit 36. This outputcompressing unit 36 compresses the answer data to transfer it to theoutput transmitting unit 37. This output transmitting unit 37 transmitsthe answer data to the agent terminal 2 to which access is provided.

[0106] Thus, the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221constituting the agent terminal 2 defrosts the received answer data todisplay the answer data on the display 225 in a display form as ifcharacter makes introduction.

[0107] This information communication system is operated as describedabove.

[0108] (Operation that the Agent Terminal Pushes Information orAdvertisement)

[0109] The operation that the agent terminal pushes information oradvertisement will now be described. While command to the effect thatinformation or advertisement is desired is outputted from the user sidein the example which will be explained here, this invention is notlimited to such implementation, but there may be employed, e.g., anapproach to automatically send information or advertisement to user atdefault.

[0110] First, it is assumed that user operates the keyboard 223 of thedesk-top type personal computer 221 to make connection to network to theCPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221 to input specific keyword, and to input command to the effect that information oradvertisement is desired.

[0111] Thus, the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221 carriesout a display in a display form such that character explains that“connection to the network is being examined”, etc., and toautomatically recognize whether or not connection to the network is madeto provide access to the agent access server 3 by using the agent ID,object instruction (information or advertisement is desired) and keyword with a designated frequency.

[0112] The instruction analysing unit 33 of the analysis branching means31 of the agent access server 3 analyses the object instruction(information or advertisement is desired) of the agent terminal 2 tooutput its result to the connection destination branching unit 34. Theconnection destination branching unit 34 selects data base, etc. (Inthis case, the recommend unit 52) of the dedicated server 5 optimum forthis processing in accordance with object instruction, and transfers keyword to the recommend unit 52.

[0113] The recommend unit 52 makes connection to the agent terminal 2through the agent access server 3 to acquire related key word similar tothis key word and restricted key word in the state where character 312of picture 311 on the display 225 of the desk-top type personal computer221 is caused to intervene.

[0114] Alternatively, the recommend unit 52 acquires related key word bymaking reference to parameter for recommend (see FIG. 4B) existing atthe personal information data base 51 a of the personal informationstorage unit 51.

[0115] The recommend unit 52 determines priority rank of information tobe recommended from four kinds of parameters of degree of interest,up-to-dateness, frequency and response ratio with the current degree ofinterest being as core. The recommend unit 52 retrieves advertisementdata base 53 a (see FIG. 4C) of the advertisement storage unit 53 fromthose information to extract advertisement to be recommended on thebasis of information as to whether user likes or dislikes key word ofadvertisement data base 53 a to transmit this advertisement to the agentterminal 2 through the agent access server 3.

[0116] When the desk-top type personal computer 221 constituting theagent terminal 2 receives the advertisement data sent in this way, theCPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221 defrosts thatadvertisement data to display picture 311 as shown in FIG. 14 on thedisplay 225.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 14, this picture 311 has a display form suchthat charcter 312 of the pet type introduces that “You like PDA, Isuppose. I hear that new PDA has been put on sale from ∘∘ company. Doyou look at it? (50 pt)”.

[0118] Here, user clicks “only look” button, or “YES” button/“NO” buttonby the mouse 224. In the case where the “NO” button is clicked, the CPUof the desk-top type personal computer 221 deletes the introductorystatement of the character 312.

[0119] In the case where the “YES” button is clicked, the CPU of thedesk-top type personal computer 221 displays URL (Uniform ResourceLocator), etc. obtained from the advertisement data base. At thedisplayed URL, there may be assembled, e.g., a mechanism such thatbrowser is started as the result of the fact that user clicks URL by themouse 224 to automatically provide access operation to this URL.

[0120] In this case, as a method of allowing the desk-top type personalcomputer 221 to display advertisement on the display 225, in addition tothe above-described URL, display is made in such a manner that thecharacter 312 of the pet type says, half to itself only by character, ordisplay is made by moving picture like television commercial.

[0121] Morever, the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221transmits response data of “only look” button or “YES” button/“NO”button to the agent access server 3.

[0122] The agent access server 3 transfers that response data to theadvertisement data base 53 a of the advertisement storage unit 53, andthe advertisement data base 51 a of the personal information storageunit 51. Thus, that response data is recorded with respect to theadvertisement data base 53 a and the personal information data base 51a. Moreover, the recommend unit 52 also stores response of user to carryout repetitive learning. For a function to carry out repetitive learningthat this recommend unit 52 has, hierarchical neural network is used.For learning parameter for neural network, genetical algorithm is usedto determine optimum value to enhance high speed characteristic andconvergence stability of learning.

[0123] In addition, as shown in FIG. 27, there may be employed anapproach to display a predetermined matter by right click of mouse onpicture so that user can select it.

[0124] It is to be noted that, at the advertisement storage unit 53,advertisement cost may be added to advertisement data base 53 a todemand payment by monthly balance. In addition, in the case where thereis cash back for user, point of point cumulative area of personalinformation data base 51 a of the personal information storage unit 51may be also added.

[0125] By operation as described above, it is possible to provideadvertisement that user has interest. Additionally, when user inputs, inconversational form, request to the effect that “the quantity ofadvertisements is large” or “a larger number of advertisements isrequired” toward character 312 on picture 311 of the display 225 of thedesk-top type personal computer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2,the desktop type personal computer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2increases or decreases frequency to output advertisement. This functionto change advertisement output frequency may also rely on the functionat the side of the agent access server 3 or the dedicated server 5.

[0126] By using the above-mentioned operation to push information oradvertisement toward the agent terminals, the information deliverysystem of this embodiment can be applied to, e.g., video picturerecording business. Namely, television program corresponding to taste ofuser is retrieved by the above-described operation to present thisretrieval information on the display 225 of the desk-top type personalcomputer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2 in the state wherecharacter is caused to intervene.

[0127] Then, the desk-top type personal computer 221 constituting theagent terminal 2 displays 2 character 312 within the picture 311 of thedisplay 225 in such a manner that “Do you want this program recorded?”as shown in FIG. 15 to request user to push down either one of “YES”button/“NO” button.

[0128] When the “YES” button is clicked, the CPU of the desk-top typepersonal computer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2 allows apersonal computer having picture recording function or a video deckhaving communication function to make reservation of picture recording.

[0129] By using the operation in this way, there is no possibility thatuser overlooks even program that he is apt to forget or he should notknow.

[0130] By using the above-mentioned operation in which the agentterminal pushes information or advertisement, this invention can beapplied to, e.g., music delivery business. Namely, since the personalinformation data base 51 a and the recommend unit 52 grasp taste ofuser, the recommend unit 52 retrieves, by the operation to pushinformation or advertisement, news or new tune corresponding to itstaste, e.g., corresponding to artist to present this retrievalinformation on the display 225 of the desk-top type personal computer221 constituting the agent terminal 2 in the state where character iscaused to intervene.

[0131] For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the desk-top type personalcomputer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2 displays character 312within picture 311 of the display 225 in such a manner that “Do youlisten to new tune of cork (name of cork is imaginary artist name, andreal artist name is displayed in practice)?” to request user to pushdown either one of “”Listen” button?/“No Listen” button.

[0132] When the “Listen” button is clicked, the CPU of the desk-top typepersonal computer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2 acquires datafor music delivery according to new tune of cork held in the agentaccess server 3, the dedicated server 5 and other server (not shown)connected to the communication network 4 to reproduce this new tune.

[0133] Moreover, after user carries out audition of new tune reproducedfrom the display 225 and the speakers 226,226 of the desk-top typepersonal computer 221, the desk-top type personal computer 221 maydisplay or connect purchase page of internet to have ability to purchasemedium such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc. It is sufficient toprovide URL of purchase page by the technique similar to theabove-described technique for providing URL according toadvertisement/information.

[0134] Alternatively, by using the operation to push information oradvertisement toward the above-described agent terminal, it is possibleto reproduce moving picture file, etc. such as favorite actor, etc. ofuser by the display 225 and the speakers 226, 226 under control of thedesk-top type personal computer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2.There may be employed a configuration such that at the time point whenthis reproduction is completed, connection to ticket sale page of movieof internet is made so that user can purchase ticket.

[0135] (Operation that the Agent Terminal Collects User Information)

[0136] (Case Where the Fixed Terminal is Agent Terminal)

[0137] First, the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221constituting the agent terminal 2 displays character on the display 225to carry out conversation with user. When user inputs information thathe likes ∘∘ to the desk-top type personal computer 221, the desk-toptype personal computer 221 stores that information at the hard disc unitand displays picture 311 in which character 312 as shown in FIG. 17 isdisplayed.

[0138] At this picture 311, display is carried out in such a manner thatcharacter speaks that “You like ∘∘, I suppose. Is sending of thisinformation OK?”.

[0139] User clicks “YES” button/“NO” button by mouse, etc. The desk-toptype personal computer 221 stores information of “YES/NO” at the harddisc unit.

[0140] Moreover, at the time of “YES”, the desk-top type personalcomputer 221 transfers information of “You like ∘∘” to the agent accessserver 3.

[0141] The agent access server 3 transfers the information of “You like∘∘” to the personal information storage unit 51. The personalinformation storage unit 51 allows the personal information data base 51a to store this information.

[0142] It is to be noted that while the picture 311 shown in FIG. 17 isconstituted as the button type, picture 311 may be constituted as textbox type as shown in FIG. 18.

[0143] In accordance with the above-described agent terminal of thefixed terminal, only open personal information of user of the agentterminal 2 will be stored with respect to the personal information database 51 a of the personal information storage unit 51.

[0144] (Case of Agent Terminal of Portable Terminal (Mobile Terminal))

[0145] First, the CPU of the note type personal computer 211constituting the agent terminal 2 displays character on the display 215to carry out conversation with user. When user inputs information of“Your like ∘∘” to the note type personal computer 211, the note typepersonal computer 211 transfers this information to the agent accessserver 3.

[0146] This agent access server 3 transfers information of “You like ∘∘”to the personal information storage unit 51. The personal informationstorage unit 51 allows the personal information data base 51 a to storethis information.

[0147] In accordance with the agent terminal of the above-describedportable terminal (mobile terminal), personal information of user of theagent terminal 2 is stored with respect to the personal information database 51 a of the personal information storage unit 51. Even in the caseof this portable terminal, the right of selection as to whether or notthis personal information is opened is at the user side.

[0148] (Growing Operation of Character)

[0149] With respect to the hard disc of the desk-top type personalcomputer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2, agent characterparameter as shown in FIG. 19 is stored. As shown in FIG. 19, thecharacter parameter 70 of this character consists of item 71 and weight(1 to 10) 72. There are “joyful”, “anger”, “sad”, degree of upbringing”,. . . , at the item 71, and “7”, “2”, “4”, “3”, are arranged at theweight 72 in correspondence with these matters.

[0150] It is to be assumed that the desk-top type personal computer 221constituting the agent terminal 2 has artificial intelligence (AI)function by the operation of the above-described agent program tothereby allow the display 225 to display character to carry out displayon the display 225 as if character speaks by this artificialintelligence to allow user to carry out input from the keyboard inresponse thereto to thereby carry out conversation. This is realized byallowing the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221 to prepareand process picture such that character speaks by key word stored withindata base for conversation stored in the hard disc unit of the desk-toptype personal computer 221. It is to be noted that, in this case, inplace of employing a method of allowing user to carry out input from thekeyboard, there may be employed a method of carrying out all operationsby conversation unit using technology of speech (voice) recognition.

[0151] Thus, picture 311 such that character 312 as shown in FIG. 20speaks “What month and what day are you born?” is displayed on thedisplay 225.

[0152] Moreover, if corresponding information is key word existing atthe data base for conversation of the hard disc unit of the desk-toptype personal computer 221, the CPU of the desk-top type personalcomputer 221 continues conversation as it is.

[0153] In the case where corresponding information is key word thatcharacter does not know, i.e., key word does not exist in the data basefor conversation of the hard disc unit of the desk-top type personalcomputer 221, the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221 forms apicture image in which character is caused to speak “I don't know” todisplay it. In the case where connection to the agent access server 3 isbeing made, key word that character does not know is transferred.

[0154] The agent access server 3 transfers this key word to theconversation unit 56.

[0155] In the case of key word existing in the conversational data base56 a, the conversation unit 56 outputs that key word to the agent accessserver 3. The agent access server 3 transfers this key word to the agentterminal 2.

[0156] In this case, if key word that character does not know is stored,it is sufficient to update the conversational data base 56 a of theconversation unit 56 by batch processing.

[0157] The desk-top type personal computer 221 stores key word answeredthrough the agent access server 3 from the conversation unit 56 withrespect to data base for conversation of the hard disc unit.

[0158] Moreover, the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221constituting the agent terminal 2 changes numeric value of weight 72 ofcharacter parameter of character of the pet type by the content ofconversation with user. Namely, the desktop type personal computer 221has a function to change character parameter of character every timeuser and character carry out conversation, or character speaks. Thus, itlooks that character substantially grows.

[0159] (Communication Function, Mail Receiving Function)

[0160] The agent terminal 2 constituted by this desk-top type personalcomputer 221 is connected to the interchange promoting unit 55 throughthe agent access server 3 so that it has communication function and mailreceiving function.

[0161] First, the communication function will be described. User usespicture 311 of FIG. 21 displayed on the display 225 to carry outregistration of friends or community. The picture 311 of FIG. 21consists of picture 315 for friend and picture 316 for community.

[0162] The friend picture 315 is composed of friend register button,friend change button, friend delete button, message send button, chatbutton, personal home page look button, and friend list display area.

[0163] The community picture 316 is composed of register button, changebutton, delete button, conference attend button, home page look button,and community list display area.

[0164] User uses the friend picture 315 of the picture shown in FIG. 21to input in advance address of electronic mail of friend with respect tothe desk-top type personal computer 221. This information is transferredto the interchange promoting unit 55 via the agent access server 3 fromthe desk-top type personal computer 221, and that information isregistered.

[0165] Thus, the interchange promoting unit 55 notifies the desk-loptype personal computer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2 through theagent access server 3 that the registered friend is being connected tothe communication network 4.

[0166] Thus, the desk-top type personal computer 221 carries out displayin such a manner that character 312 of picture 311 shown in FIG. 21speaks that “Ehchan has made connection to internet”.

[0167] In this case, this communication function can carry outtransmission/reception of message to and from friend (see message sendbutton), and carry out invitation to chat (chat button) as understoodalso from the picture 311 shown in FIG. 21. In addition, character canbe of course used for chat, and speech chat using microphone 228 andspeakers 226, 226 can be also carried out.

[0168] In this example, the above-described communication function isrealized by, e.g., AOL (Trade Mark) instant messenger, and has aconfiguration such that user himeself and friend respectively makeregistration in advance at the interchange promoting unit 55, wherebywhen the agent program is started and the communication network 4 isconnected, connection information is transmitted to the interchangepromoting unit 55 so that connection notification is made to theopposite party registered as friend.

[0169] Then, the mail receiving function will be described. When mail isreceived to the mail server of the interchange promoting unit 55, theinterchange promoting unit 55 transmits data to the effect that mail hasbeen received to the desk-top type personal computer 221 constitutingthe agent terminal 2 through the agent access server 3.

[0170] Thus, the CPU of the desk-top type personal computer 221 forms apicture image such that character speaks to display that picture imageon the display 225. FIG. 22 is picture 311 displayed by this mailreceiving function. On this picture 311, display is carried out in sucha manner that character 312 speaks that “mail has come” as shown in FIG.22.

[0171] (Alarm Function)

[0172] The agent terminal 2 constituted by this desk-top type personalcomputer 221 has an alarm function as the result of the fact that it isconnected to the condition notice monitoring unit 54 through the agentaccess server 3.

[0173] First, user designates home page to be monitored with respect tocharacter of the agent terminal 2. A method of designating home page isarbitrary. For example, it is sufficient to directly input URL of homepage that monitoring is wished by keyboard, etc., and it is alsosufficient to designate monitoring in reading home page in whichmonitoring is wished by browser. Thus, the desk-top type personalcomputer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2 transmits information(URL) of home page to be monitored, etc. and agent ID to the agentaccess sever 3.

[0174] The agent access server 3 transfers this information to thecondition notice monitoring unit 54. The condition notice monitoringunit 54 stores this agent ID and monitoring condition.

[0175] The condition notice monitoring unit 54 monitors home page ofmonitoring condition every fixed period, and is operative so that theentire or a portion of home page is updated, it transmits that updateinformation, etc. to the agent access server 3. The agent access server3 transfers that update information to the desk-top type personalcomputer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2. The CPU of the desk-toptype personal computer 221 forms a picture image that character speakson the basis of this update information, etc. The CPU allows the display225 to display that picture image.

[0176] In the case where start time is changed, picture 311 such thatcharacter 312 speaks that “Baseball begins soon!” is displayed on thedisplay 225 as shown in FIG. 23.

[0177] The alarm function can all alarm matters of monitoring conditionthat user designates. For example, this alarm function carries outinterlocking with respect to stock price, or teaches change of starttime of favourite television program.

[0178] In addition, schedule function is added to this alarm function(cooperation with ASP (Application Service Provider) to use thisschedule function, thereby making it possible to intentionally setalarm.

[0179] (Dictionary Function)

[0180] The agent program of this agent terminal 2 also has dictionaryfunction. On the internet, there is site (web server) for carrying outdictionary service. Thus, when term to be examined is inputted to thedictionary function of the agent terminal 2, the agent terminal 2examines this term, etc. by making use of this dictionary service site.When examined result is taken into from the dictionary service, theagent terminal 2 displays picture 311 such that character 312 speaksthat “I have examined

(luciousness)”, and displays examined content 318 at the central portionof the picture 311.

[0181] (Security Function)

[0182] At the agent terminal 2 constituted by the desk-top type personalcomputer 221, there is also provided security function. This securityfunction serves to carry out control of personal information.

[0183] The agent program of this agent terminal 2 has artificialintelligence function as described above, and personal information arestored with respect to the personal information data base 51 a of thepersonal information storage unit 51 by conversation made between userand character by the artificial intelligence function.

[0184] Thus, the desk-top type personal computer 221 constituting theagent terminal 2 inquires whether or not important information is opened(published) in a Table form. Namely, the desk-top type personal computer221 forms a displayed picture image as shown in FIG. 25 to send thatpicture image to the display 225. On the display 225, Table 318 in aTable form as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed. The Table 318 consists ofcontent column 319 for personal information and another column 320 foropen/secret.

[0185] Within the content column 319 for personal information, there aredisplayed “25 years old”, “like basketball”, “like TV drama”, “haveinterest in stocks”, “live at Chiba Prefecture”, “Male”, and “likeHikaru Kuramoto (imaginary artist name)”. In correspondence with them,within another column for open/secret, “open”, “open”, “secret”, “open”,“secret”, “open”, and “open” are inputted. Thus, the desk-top typepersonal computer 221 constituting the agent terminal 2 transfers thoseinformation to the agent access server 3 together with agent IDs.

[0186] The agent access server 3 transfers these information and theagent IDs to the personal information storage unit 51. The personalinformation storage unit 51 rewrites these information of the personalinformation data base 51 a.

[0187] Thus, the personal information storage unit 51 opens onlyinformation permitted to be opened even if access to correspondingpersonal information is provided from other person.

[0188] By such security function, user can have control right ofpersonal information.

[0189] (Advantages, etc. of the First Embodiment)

[0190] Since this information communication system is constituted and isoperated as described above, there are following advantages.

[0191] (1) Advantages of User

[0192] (i) Even if user himself does not make a search, he can obtainservice or advertisement corresponding thereto.

[0193] (ii) User can have control right of the personal information database 51 a of the personal information storage unit 51.

[0194] (iii) It is possible to obtain point.

[0195] (iv) It is possible to joyfully acquire useful information.

[0196] (v) It is possible to control OS (Operating System) inconversational form, and it is possible to carry out operation fromthis.

[0197] (2) Advantages of Advertiser

[0198] (i) Since it is sufficient to merely carry out advertisement onlywith respect to users who have interest by information based on profile,there is no useless investment and effective advertisement can becarried out.

[0199] (ii) Since response ratio of user can be obtained, it is possibleto utilize this response ratio for marketing.

[0200] (iii) Since advertisement is carried out on the basis of internetof user or key word that user has notice, it is possible to preventresistance with respect to advertisement resulting from the fact thatincontinent advertisement is carried out.

[0201] (3) Advantages of the Third Party

[0202] (i) It is possible to make original character to put it on theagent terminal.

[0203] (ii) By this information communication system, new service can beprovided in connection with game and/or application, etc.

[0204] (4) Advantages of Manager of Information Delivery System

[0205] (i) It is possible to make direct connection to user.

[0206] (ii) It is possible to appeal to character of manager.

[0207] (iii) It is possible to obtain profile having very high accuracy.

[0208] It is to be noted that while explanation has been given in theabove-described embodiment in connection with the example where theagent terminal 2 is constituted by the desk-top type personal computer221, the agent terminal 2 may be constituted by the note type personalcomputer 211.

APPLIED EXAMPLE

[0209] While conversation between user and character is carried out byallowing user to input question or answer by keyboard and by allowingcharacter to display question or answer on display in theabove-described example, this invention is not limited to suchimplementation, but may be carried out in the following manner.

[0210] Namely, the agent terminal 2 is caused to have means capable offorming character of a predetermined shape to display it, means fortaking voice of user thereinto to recognize this voice by voice (speech)recognition means to make an answer corresponding to the voicerecognition result by voice so that conversation between character anduser can be made, means for transmitting personal information, etc. ofuser obtained through conversation to agent access server, and means forallowing character to speak information from the agent access server byvoice.

[0211] In addition, user may use, e.g., fixed terminal 22 of FIG. 3B toinput, by voice, question or answer from microphone 228 to desk-top typepersonal computer 221 to output answer or question of character fromspeakers 226, 226 so that conversation by ordinary voice can be made.

[0212] [Second Embodiment]

[0213]FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing another example of theinformation communication system according to this example.

[0214] In the second embodiment of this invention, as shown in FIG. 26,an agent terminal 2 a is composed of a personal computer terminal 80,and a pet type robot 81 connected to this personal computer 80 bywireless.

[0215] This personal computer terminal 80 has communication function,and can be connected to agent access server 3 through communicationnetwork 4. As the agent access server 3 and the dedicated server 5, thesame servers as those of the first embodiment are used. Further, also inthis second embodiment, as the operation of the agent access server 3and the operation of dedicated server 5 (personal information storageunit 51, recommend unit 52, advertisement storage unit 53, conditionnotice monitoring unit 54, interchange promoting unit 55, orconversation unit 56), the same operations as those of the firstembodiment are used.

[0216] Further, this personal computer terminal 80 has voice (speech)recognition program, and can carry out conversion from voice data intotext character. The personal computer terminal 80 has wirelesscommunication function, and is connected to the pet type robot 81 bywireless.

[0217] The pet type robot 81 is adapted so that Central Processing Unitwhich realizes artificial intelligence is included therewithin, and isadapted to have ability to control expression of face, etc. andoperation of the pet type robot 81. Further, the pet type robot 81includes a speaker therewithin, and the artificial intelligence forms apredetermined voice in accordance with expression of face or operationof the pet type robot 81 to have ability to output voice from thespeaker.

[0218] Further, this pet type robot 81 has wireless communicationfunction, and is connected to the personal computer terminal 80 bywireless. The pet type robot 81 is adapted to input voice data picked upby microphone that the robot 81 itself has to the central ProcessingUnit through analog/digital converter, and to have ability to input thisvoice data to the personal computer terminal 80 through wirelesscommunication function; and to input voice data from the personalcomputer terminal 80 to carry out digital/analog conversation of itsinput voice data to have ability to carry out voice output from thespeaker. It is to be noted that voice (speech) recognition program andvoice (speech) analysis program may be mounted at the pet type robot 81side to carry out transmission/reception of voice data caused to be intext form or in code form to and from the personal computer terminal 80.

[0219] In this second embodiment, when, e.g., data to the effect thatmail has been arrived from the interchange promoting unit 55 is sent tothe personal computer terminal 80 of the agent terminal 2 a through theagent access server 3, the personal computer terminal 80 forms voicedata of “mail has come” to send out it to the pet type robot 81 by thewireless communication function.

[0220] Then, at the inside of the pet type robot 81, this voice data iscaused to undergo digital/analog conversion to speak “mail has come”from the speaker. Thus, it looks like as if the pet type robot 81speaks.

[0221] When user speaks that “Read mail” toward the pet type robot 81,that voice is caused to undergo analog/digital conversion at the insideof the pet type robot 81 to send it to the personal computer terminal 80by wireless communication function. The personal computer terminal 80converts voice into text by speech (voice) recognition programthereafter to analyse instruction content. In this case, since mail readoperation is instructed, mail reading software is used to convert mailinto voice data to transmit it to the pet type robot 81 through wirelesscommunication function.

[0222] At the inside of the pet type robot 81, this voice data is causedto undergo digital/analog conversion to speak it from the speaker. When,e.g., mail has the content that “I am waiting in ∘ square at ShinjukuStation on October 10 From Ehchan”, it looks that the pet type robot 81speaks voice of “I am waiting in ∘ square at Shinjyuku Station onOctober 10. From Ehchan”.

[0223] It is to be noted that, in this second embodiment, growingoperation of character as in the first embodiment is not used.

[0224] In accordance with such second embodiment, there are thefollowing advantages.

[0225] (1) Advantages of User

[0226] (i) Even if user himself does not make a search, it is possibleto receive service or advertisement corresponding to user.

[0227] (ii) User can have control right of the personal information database 51 a of the personal information storage unit 51.

[0228] (iii) It is possible to obtain point.

[0229] (iv) It is possible to joyfully acquire useful information.

[0230] (2) Advantages of Advertiser

[0231] (i) Since it is sufficient to merely carry out advertisement onlywith respect to users who have interest by information based on profile,there is no useless investment and effective advertisement can becarried out.

[0232] (ii) Since response ratio of user can be obtained, it is possibleto utilize this response ratio for marketing.

[0233] (iii) Since advertisement is carried out on the basis of interestof user or key word that user has notice, it is possible to preventresistance with respect to advertisement resulting from the fact thatincontinent advertisement is carried out.

[0234] (3) Advantages of the third party

[0235] (i) It is possible to make original character to put it on theagent terminal.

[0236] (ii) By this information communication system, new service can beprovided in connection with game and/or application, etc.

[0237] (4) Advantages of manager of information delivery system

[0238] (i) It is possible to make direct connection to user.

[0239] (ii) It is possible to appeal to character of manager.

[0240] (iii) It is possible to obtain profile having very high accuracy.

[0241] (iv) Manager of information delivery system can acquire importantand correct personal information.

[0242] (v) It is possible to realize cooperation with real character(pet type robot).

[0243] (Memory Medium)

[0244] With respect to the operation contents which have been explainedin the above-described first and second embodiments according to thisinvention, programs corresponding to respective operations are stored atthe agent terminal 2, the agent access server 3 or the dedicated server5, operations will be carried out in accordance with those programs.

[0245] Thus, programs in which at least more than ones of programs ofthe respective operations which have been explained are combined may bestored with respect to memory medium.

[0246] Here, as the memory medium, there are included, e.g., floppydisc, hard disc, magneto-optical disc, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD,magnetic tape, ROM cartridge, RAM card with battery back-up, flashmemory cartridge, and non-volatile RAM card, etc.

[0247] Such memory medium is medium in which information (mainly digitaldata, program) is stored by any means, and there may be employed anymedium which permits computer or dedicated processor to realize apredetermined function. This similarly applies in the following.

[0248] It is to be note that while explanation has been given in theabove-described embodiments with the example where personal computer isused being as the main subject, this invention is not limited to thisimplementation, but may be also realized by pocket telephone, PDA(personal portable information terminal), or digital TV in which set topbox is included or mounted).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0249] In this invention, user can receive or advertisementcorresponding to user himself even if he does not make a search, canhave control right of personal information data base, and can joyfullyacquire useful information. For advertiser, since it is sufficient tomerely carry out advertisement only with respect to users which haveinterest by information based on profile, there is no useless investmentand effective advertisement can be carried out. Since response ratio ofuser can be obtained, it is possible to utilize this response ratio formarketing. Since advertisement is carried out on the basis of interestof user or key word that user has notice, it is possible to preventresistance with respect to advertisement resulting from the fact thatincontinent advertisement is carried out. For manager of the informationdelivery system, direct connection to user can be made and it ispossible to appeal to character of manager. In addition, informationcommunication system capable of obtaining profile having very highaccuracy can be realized.

1. An information communication system in which agent terminals for userand an agent access server are connected through a communicationnetwork, and plural dedicated servers for processing various specialfunctions are connected to this agent access server, wherein the agentterminal comprises: means for forming character of a predetermined shapeto have ability to display the character; means for permittingconversation between character and user; means for transmitting personalinformation, etc. of user obtained through conversation to the agentaccess server; and means for displaying information from the agentaccess server in a form such that the character introduces thatinformation, wherein the agent access server has a function to analyseaccess from the agent terminal to select any one of the dedicatedservers in accordance with analysis result thereof to send outinformation from the agent terminal to the selected dedicated server anda function to send out answer information from the selected dedicatedserver to the agent terminal, and wherein the plural dedicated serverscomprise means for storing personal information from the agent accessserver as a whole to select information useful for user on the basis ofthe personal information to send out the selected information to theagent access server. 2 The information communication system as set forthin claim 1, wherein the agent terminal comprises: means for formingcharacter of a predetermined shape to have ability to display thecharacter; means for taking voice of user thereinto to recognize thevoice by voice recognition means to make an answer corresponding to thevoice recognition result thereof by voice to permit conversation betweencharacter and user; means for transmitting personal information, etc. ofuser obtained through conversation to the agent access server; and meansfor allowing the character to speak information from the agent accessserver by voice. 3 The information communication system as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the agent terminal comprises: means for makingconversation between user and character to change shape of the characterby a predetermined parameter in accordance with storage of informationthereof; and means for making conversation between user and character tochange character of the character in accordance with storage ofinformation thereof. 4 The information communication system as set forthin claim 1, wherein the agent terminal comprises: means for makingconversation between user and character to change shape of the characterby a predetermined parameter in accordance with storage of informationthereof; and means for making conversation between user and character tochange character of the character in accordance with storage ofinformation thereof. 5 The information communication system as set forthin claim 1, wherein the agent terminal comprises: means composed of aterminal connected to the agent access server and a pet type robot, thepet type robot and the agent access server being directly connected bywireless, the terminal serving to recognize voice data sent from the pettype robot by voice recognition means to send answer corresponding tovoice recognition result thereof to the pet type robot to make answer byvoice by the pet type robot to permit conversation between the pet typerobot and user; means for transmitting personal information, etc. ofuser obtained through conversation to the agent access server; and meansfor allowing the pet type robot to speak information from the agentaccess server therefrom. 6 The information communication system as setforth in claim 1, wherein the agent terminal comprises: means for makingconversation between user and character to change character of thecharacter in accordance with stored information thereof. 7 An agentterminal adapted to collect information of user to have ability to sendout this information to a specific server, or to collect informationuseful for user from a specific server or internet, the agent terminalcomprising: means for forming character of a predetermined shape to haveability to display the character; means for permitting conversationbetween character and user; means for transmitting personal information,etc. of user obtained through conversation to the specific server; andmeans for displaying information from the specific server in a form suchthat the character introduces that information. 8 The agent terminal asset forth in claim 7, wherein the terminal further comprises: means forforming character of a predetermined shape to have ability to displaythe character; means for taking voice of user thereinto to recognizethis sound by voice recognition means to make an answer corresponding tovoice recognition result thereof by voice to permit conversation betweenthe character and user; means for transmitting personal information,etc. of user obtained through conversation to an agent access server;and means for allowing the character to speak information from the agentaccess server by voice. 9 The agent terminal as set forth in claim 7,wherein the terminal further comprises: means for making conversationbetween user and character to change shape of the character by apredetermined parameter in accordance with stored information; and meansfor making conversation between the user and the character to changecharacter of the character in accordance with stored informationthereof. 10 The agent terminal as set forth in claim 7, wherein theterminal further comprises: means composed of a terminal connected to anagent access server and a pet type robot, the terminal and the pet typerobot being connected by wireless, the terminal serving to recognizevoice data sent from the pet type robot by voice recognition means tosend an answer corresponding to voice recognition result thereof to thepet type robot to make answer by voice by the pet type robot to permitconversation between the pet type robot and user; means for transmittingpersonal information, etc. of user obtained through conversation to theagent access server; and means for allowing the pet type robot to speakinformation from the agent access server therefrom. 11 The agentterminal as set forth in claim 7, wherein the terminal furthercomprises: means for making conversation between user and character tochange character of the character in accordance with storage ofinformation thereof. 12 The agent terminal as set forth in claim 8,wherein the terminal further comprises: means for making conversationbetween user and character to hasten user to input instruction aswhether or not opening to the third person of stored information ispermitted. 13 The agent terminal as set forth in claim 8, wherein theterminal serves to make conversation between user and character toanalyse taste of the user in accordance with stored information topresent advertisement in correspondence with need of the user to theuser through the character in accordance with analysis result thereof.14 The agent terminal as set forth in claim 8, wherein the terminalserves to make conversation between user and character to analyse tasteof the user in accordance with stored information to present informationin correspondence with need of the user to the user through thecharacter in accordance with this analysis result thereof. 15 Aninformation delivery system comprising an agent access server forcarrying out arrangement of information accessed thereto to send outanswer thereof to access destination, and plural dedicated servers forspecially processing access information sent from the agent accessserver to send out the access information thus processed to the agentaccess server, wherein the agent access server has: a function toanalyse the information accessed thereto to select either any one of thededicated servers in accordance with analysis result thereof to send outaccess information to the selected dedicated server; and a function tosend out answer information from the selected dedicated server to accessdestination, and wherein the plural dedicated servers comprise means forstoring personal information from the agent access server as a whole toselect information useful for user on the basis of the personalinformation to send out the selected information to the agent accessserver. 16 The information delivery system as set forth in claim 15,wherein each of the plural dedicated servers is any one of a personalinformation storage unit for storing profile of each user or eachparameter sent from an agent terminal with respect to personalinformation data base, an advertisement storage unit for storingadvertisement to which a predetermined key word, etc. is attached, arecommend unit for executing a processing to allow taste of user andadvertisement within the advertisement storage unit to be in conformitywith each other on the basis of personal information stored in thepersonal information storage unit to send out result thereof to theagent access server, a condition notice monitoring unit for monitoring aportion or the entirety of web to notify condition to an agent terminalthrough the agent access server when the condition is changed, aninterchange promoting unit for promoting interchange between terminals,and a conversation unit for constructing conversation data base forpromoting conversation with user. 17 A memory medium adapted so thatthere is stored agent program for collecting information of user to haveability to send out this information to a specific server, or to haveability to collect information useful for user from a specific server orinternet and to have ability to carry out other processing, whereinthere is stored agent program for allowing computer to execute: afunction to form character of a predetermined shape to have ability todisplay the characterp; a function to permit conversation between thecharacter and user; a function to transmit personal information, etc. ofthe user obtained through conversation to a specific server; and afunction to display information from the specific server in a form suchthat the character introduces that information. 18 The memory medium asset forth in claim 17, wherein the agent program allows computer toexecute: a function to form character of a predetermined shape to haveability to display the character; a function to take voice of userthereinto to recognize this voice by voice recognition means to make ananswer corresponding to voice recognition result thereof by voice topermit conversation between the character and the user; a function totransmit personal information, etc. of the user obtained throughconversation to an agent access server; and a function to allow thecharacter to speak information from the agent access server by voice. 19The memory medium as set forth in claim 17, wherein the agent programallows computer to execute: a function to make conversation between userand character to change shape of the character by a predeterminedparameter in accordance with stored information thereof; and a functionto make conversation between the user and the character to changecharacter of the character in accordance with storage of informationthereof. 20 A memory medium adapted so that there is stored agent accessprogram for carrying out arrangement of information accessed thereto tosend out answer thereof to access destination, wherein there is storedagent access program for allowing computer to execute: a function toanalyse the information accessed thereto to select a dedicated programin accordance with analysis result thereof to send out accessinformation to the dedicated program; and a function to send out answerinformation from the dedicated program to access destination. 21 Amemory medium adapted so that there is stored dedicated processingprogram for specially processing access information which has beentransferred to send out processing result thereof to transferdestination, wherein there is stored dedicated processing program forallowing computer to execute a function to store personal informationwhich has been transferred to select information useful for user on thebasis of the personal information to deliver the selected information totransfer destination. 22 An agent program for collecting information ofuser to have ability to send out this information to a specific server,or to have ability to collect information useful for user from aspecific server or internet and to have ability to carry out otherprocessing, wherein the agent program allows computer to execute: afunction to form character of a predetermined shape to have ability todisplay the character; a function to permit conversation between thecharacter and user; a function to transmit personal information, etc. ofthe user obtained through conversation to a specific server; and afunction to display information from the specific server in a form suchthat the character introduces that information. 23 The agent program asset forth in claim 22, wherein the program allows computer to furtherexecute: a function to form character of a predetermined shape to haveability to display the character; a function to take voice of userthereinto to recognize this voice by voice recognition means to make ananswer corresponding to voice recognition result thereof by voice topermit conversation between the character and the user; a function totransmit personal information, etc. of the user obtained throughconversation to an agent access server; and a function to allow thecharacter to speak information from the agent access server by voice. 24The agent program as set forth in claim 22, wherein the program allowscomputer to execute: a function to make conversation between user andcharacter to change shape of the character by a predetermined parameterin accordance with stored information thereof; and a function to makeconversation between the user and the character to change character ofthe character in accordance with storage of information thereof. 25 Anagent access program for carrying out arrangement of informationaccessed thereto to send out answer thereof to access destination,wherein the program allows computer to execute: a function to analysethe information accessed thereto to select dedicated program inaccordance with analysis result thereof to send out access informationto the dedicated program; and a function to send out answer informationfrom the dedicated program to access destination.
 26. A dedicatedprocessing program for specially processing access information which hasbeen transferred to send out processing result thereof to transferdestination, wherein the program allows computer to execute a functionto store personal information which has been transferred to selectinformation useful for user on the basis of the personal information todeliver the selected information to transfer destination.